SCAHPERD 2025 RECAP: Serving students who are differently abled.

FitnessGram was proud to attend the 2025 South Carolina Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (SCAHPERD) Conference, joining educators, administrators, and health professionals from across the state who are passionate about improving student wellness and physical education outcomes.

One of the standout moments of this year’s conference was the keynote presentation delivered by Bob Lujano, whose message centered on the power of movement, student engagement, and the evolving role of physical education in shaping healthier futures for today’s youth. His energy, insight, and commitment to student wellness resonated deeply with attendees and reinforced the critical importance of quality physical education programs in schools nationwide for EVERY student.

Bob Lujano, a very skilled athlete, lost his limbs below the elbow and above the knee, due to a rare blood disease called Meningococcemia, which is a rare form of meningitis. However, this didn’t stop Bob from living his life on his own terms, having competed in the Paralympics in Greece for wheelchair rugby. He is currently an Inclusion Specialist for the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD). He assists with various programs and has helped thousands of people with disabilities get their questions answered. As the keynote speaker for this year’s SCAHPERD Conference, he was an inspiration to all, letting us know that people with disabilities are only “differently abled” and that should not prevent students from participating in athletics or sports.

Bob Lujano, Keynote Speaker at SCAHPERD 2025.

FitnessGram has always been committed to ensuring that every student can participate meaningfully in physical fitness assessment, including those with disabilities. Built on principles of accessibility and Universal Design, the program provides validated accommodations and flexible testing protocols that allow educators to tailor assessments to each student’s abilities.

Adaptable Testing Options

Many FitnessGram assessments can be modified or adapted by physical educators to accommodate students with physical, cognitive, sensory, or developmental disabilities. Teachers can adjust equipment, movements, or pacing, collaborate with adapted PE specialists, and support individual goals outlined in a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP),504 Plan, or functional ability level. By focusing on personal growth rather than competition, FitnessGram creates an inclusive environment where all students, regardless of ability, can track progress, build confidence, and develop lifelong healthy habits.

Focus on Individual Growth

Instead of comparing students against one another, FitnessGram allows educators to monitor personal improvement over time. This creates a more encouraging and supportive environment for students who may have unique physical challenges or limitations.

Bob Lujano becomes a Laureus Ambassador. Laureus is a global organisation that celebrates sporting excellence and uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and young people.

Support for Adapted Physical Education (APE)

FitnessGram can complement Adapted Physical Education programs by giving educators a structured framework for tracking participation, mobility, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and strength in ways that are developmentally and functionally appropriate.

Data That Helps Educators Personalize Instruction

The platform’s reporting tools help teachers identify areas where students may need additional support or alternative activities, allowing for more individualized instruction and goal setting.

As conversations continue nationally around student fitness and the renewed focus on physical education initiatives, conferences like SCAHPERD serve as an important reminder of the dedication educators bring to supporting student health every day. FitnessGram remains committed to providing trusted, research-based assessment solutions that empower schools with actionable insights while promoting lifelong healthy habits for students.

We extend our sincere thanks to SCAHPERD for hosting another outstanding conference and to Bob Lujano for delivering an inspiring keynote that challenged and encouraged attendees to continue elevating the impact of physical education.

FitnessGram looks forward to continuing these important conversations and supporting educators across South Carolina and beyond.

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